DIY in CBH Style
The CBH Essentials of Bar Set-Up
December, 2023
Bar set-up can vary depending on the occasion, number of guests, and how much work the hostess would like to do and what sort of help is available. When I host a party at home, I tend to set up a help yourself scene, and that would be my recommendation for most gatherings. If you’re the hostess it frees you up to focus on your duties, and if you’re the guest you’re able to make your ideal cocktail with your preferred ratios. So what does a CBH style well-appointed bar include?
A variety of quality liquor — make sure you have the basics including vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and bourbon (and don’t skimp on quality!). Assume that your guests’ cocktail preferences span the spectrum, so provide a large enough variety to allow for all kinds of cocktails. In keeping with a wide variety of liquor, provide the necessary tools used for making particular cocktails, e.g., shaker, strainer, jigger, mixers, garnishes, etc. This also helps to limit the hostess having to supervise the bar scene and facilitates guests’ immersion into the gathering.
Glasses for different types of cocktails — always have a few different types of glasses available to your guests: martini glasses, tumblers, rocks glasses, and wine glasses. It’s always nice to have matching glassware, but use what you have available! Glassware is a good thing to start collecting if you don’t have a large assortment at home — antique and estate shops are great for funky sets.
Color — don’t underestimate color and visual appeal! Grab some bud vases for a sweet assortment of outdoor buds and spread them around the bar. A variety of citrus is another great way to inject color and texture into your bar. Investing in a set of glass bowls is wise — they’re versatile and utilitarian without compromising aesthetic and are great for all sorts of garnishes.
Nibbles — cocktails paired with salty snacks are a general favorite, so don’t forget to include a little something to munch on. Down south cheese straws never fail, but a nice assortment of nuts or potato chips also do the job. Don’t forget to provide some pretty cocktail napkins!
Fun accent(s) — candies, cocktail parasols, cocktail stirrers, fun name tags, etc.! Guests appreciate the effort and the well-rounded cocktail experience!
Making a Holiday Garland
December, 2023
Looking for a fresh and classic way to dress up your home for the holidays? Make a garland! There are so many ways to create one with all of the different materials around to use so get creative. Pictured here is an olive tree garland with dried mandarin slices to dress up a fireplace for Christmas. So, how do you make your own?
Gather materials — you’ll need sturdy twine, quality flower wire (it’s thin and flexible and blends nicely with the greens), good clippers, and lots of greens. You can collect your greens from your backyard or visit a local flower shop. Depending on how long and bushy you want your garland, it could take a considerable amount of greens and can be quite time consuming but well worth the effort!
How to create — cut the twine in proportion to the space it will be placed or hung. Wrap the wire around one end of the twine but don’t cut it (you won’t cute the wire until you’re finished). Assemble your bunches of greens (probably 4-5 pieces, but use more greens for a denser garland) and place on top of the twine. With the uncut wire tightly wrap around the bunch and the twine, being careful not to bunch up the twine as you move along. Continue this process for each bunch until you’ve reached the end of the twine. Once you’ve attached your final bunch tightly wrap with twine and snip. Now you’re finished!
Assemble in pieces — depending on where the garland is going (flat on a dining table, draped on a fireplace or over a front door, etc.) you probably want to assemble the garland in pieces so that you can get it going various directions. It also makes it easier to hang and fill the desired space and allows to you add bunches in corners if need be. Keep in mind that a garland you lay on the table is going to look different than a hung garland, so if you plan to place it on a table (or flat somewhere) be aware of how bushy you’re making it because it becomes even more voluminous once laid flat.
Drying/dehydrating citrus — if you have an air fryer that’s the way to go! Thinly slice your desired fruit, thoroughly pat dry (this helps the fruit maintain its color as it dries), and remove any seeds. Place the fruit on a parchment paper lined tray and place in the air fryer on low for an hour to an hour and a half. Give it more time depending on the dryness, but it shouldn’t take any longer than two.
Lastly, place citrus throughout garland — you don’t need to add citrus or other dried fruits, but it adds liveliness and punchy color. Use the same flower wire to pierce through the dried fruit and twist around various branches or bunches of the garland.
Now it’s time to make a cocktail and enjoy your creation! But don’t be shy — if this alludes you submit an inquiry for holiday decorating and CBH can deliver you a beautifully made garland.
Hostess Gifts 101
December, 2023
Whatever you do, please don’t show up to a party empty-handed! You don’t need to spend gobs of money, but you do need to let the hostess know you appreciate the invitation and her effort to host you. In deciding what to gift the hostess ask yourself what she likes to do most in her home. Does she love to cook or garden? Does she enjoy hosting frequently or like more decorative items? Depending on the activity of choice, gift a gift that will contribute to her enjoyment. For instance, if she is chef extraordinaire consider an eccentric kitchen item (the cheeky dish gloves pictured from Gohar World) or something she could use while cooking, like a wooden truffle slicer and truffles from Eataly. If she’s the consummate hostess perhaps gift her some guest towels (the ones pictured are from Courtland and Co., a local store in downtown Savannah), pretty tapered candles, or a lovely set of coasters.
The question of whether to gift flowers — some hostesses love receiving a bouquet of flowers (I myself am always thrilled to get flowers), but others don’t because it requires finding the right vase and some arranging while in the middle of greeting guests. If you know the hostess is a flower gal, a sweet arrangement always does the trick and you can even have a florist do the work!
What to avoid — of course this is entirely my opinion, but I’d stay away from scented candles, plants, and immediately perishable food items. Gifts that task or require ongoing care aren’t always well-received, and people can be very particular about scents.
Don’t forget! CBH does curated gift boxes, so if you’re stumped and looking for ideas submit an inquiry for a gift box. I’d be thrilled to send you an assortment of hostess gifts that you dole out as the occasions arise!